It’s not only what’s on the inside that counts, even in non-structural, cosmetic renovations and especially when iconic views wait just beyond the window. This was the case when Dianne decided to renovate her penthouse apartment on the shimmering shores of Sydney Harbour, to create a warm, art-filled sanctuary to enjoy with her adult children and grandchildren.
Purchased in 2022, she was entranced by the outlook, though the interior was no match for its illustrious location. “While the view was absolutely incredible, the apartment lacked depth and personality, and from a functional perspective, it lacked storage and space for Dianne’s personal way of living,” says interior designer Lisa Santamaria, who led a 12-month renovation, finishing in 2025.
Function aside, a missing ingredient was flair. Dianne, who recently graduated from university after studying art history, and volunteers as an art guide at a Sydney museum, craved an interior that reflected her passion. What followed was a renovation and redecoration curated with the care of a gallery.
Key measurements in this apartment
Total size: 2562
3 bedrooms
3 bathrooms
The kitchen dishes up a feast of finishes, from a fluted Polytec ‘Cove 25’ profile on the island to glimmering gold joinery accents by Astor Metals in Brushed Brass. “We were inspired by the existing Calacatta Viola marble benchtops and splashback, and the Calacatta stone flooring,” says Lisa of the palette. She added a streamlined Marset ‘Ambrosia 210’ pendant for ambience in the open-plan space.
Heavy lifting
Access can make or break any renovation and in Dianne’s case, all furniture, fittings and fixtures needed to fit inside the building’s lift. “We had a lot of bespoke carpentry made, which was quite challenging at times, as building for an apartment is very different from a house and requires a lot of planning regarding access and sizing,” says Dianne. “We had to ensure we could split furniture and assemble it all inside,” adds Lisa.
“We were engaged to reimagine the home to the potential of what it could become.”
LISA SANTAMARIA, INTERIOR DESIGNER
Change of plan
Lisa transformed the floor plan and finishes, all without moving any walls or altering structural elements. Dianne’s original entrance had a laundry cupboard by the front door, which Lisa removed to create a striking first impression, and converted the powder room into a larger laundry. “To enhance the kitchen, we refitted the existing cabinetry internally for better storage, and modified it externally to create a designer look,” says Lisa. “We also added fluted joinery panels and fluted glass on the island, and installed custom brass shelving with LED lighting.” Each space was treated to bespoke joinery, new furniture and fresh window treatments. “The ambience is one of luxury and comfort in a contemporary environment – exactly what I was trying to achieve,” says Dianne.
Inside out
“There is so much I enjoy about my apartment – the open outside space, which flows so easily from the inside, the colours that work so beautifully, and all the bespoke cabinetry with its fluted edges,” says Dianne. Designed as a second living area, the space is truly fit for purpose. “The balcony is highly used for entertaining, especially on New Year’s Eve for front-row tickets to the fireworks!” shares Lisa.
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Interior design: Santamaria Design, santamariadesign.com.au
Joinery: Livin Joinery, livinjoinery.com.au
Landscaping: Adam Robinson Design, adamrobinsondesign.com
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